What to Look for High-Visibility T-Shirts
If you work in an industry where visibility is top priority, you'll probably need to wear a high-visibility
T-shirt. The following is a list of things to consider when choosing a shirt that's best for your needs. ANSI Class Most hi-viz T-shirts fall into ANSI class 2 or 3. This means the shirts adhere to strict visibility standards and offer specific levels of visibility. Class 2 shirts are ideal for crossing guards, airport baggage handlers, and survey crews, while class 3 shirts are appropriate for those working in or near high-speed traffic. Sleeve Length High-visibility shirts are available with either short sleeves or long sleeves. While it might be tempting to choose short sleeves for hot conditions, if you're going to be working out in the sun for long periods of time, a long sleeved shirt can actually provide much better protection from the sun. Color Bright yellow and bright orange are the two most common colors of high-visibility shirt. Which color shirt you need may depend on local safety ordinances as well as industry-wide safety standards. Before choosing a color, make sure to check with your employer or consult local safety ordinances applying to your particular job or industry. Fabric Type There are many different types of fabrics used to make high-visibility t-shirts. Look for fabrics that include UV protection, especially if you'll be outdoors during the majority of the day. It's also a good idea to look for shirts made from fabrics with moisture-wicking properties. This will help keep you cool and dry even if you're sweating heavily. For extra comfort, choose shirts with heat transfer reflective tape rather than sewn-in striping. Keep these things in mind and you're sure to choose a shirt that's both effective and comfortable.